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Inter v Sampdoria: Expectant Mancini wants more ahead of Coppa clash

Roberto Mancini has urged more from his Inter side as they prepare to make their Coppa Italia bow against Sampdoria.

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Written ByMatthew Rogerson

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Sunday's goalless draw with Empoli has led Roberto Mancini to
demand improvements from his Inter side ahead of their Coppa Italia
last-16 clash with Sampdoria on Wednesday.

Inter are now six games unbeaten in all competitions, but were
held to a frustrating stalemate by Serie A strugglers Empoli at the
Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Despite Mancini overseeing steady progress since his return to
the helm in mid-November, Inter sit five points off the European
places, although a Coppa success would ensure they remain in
continental competition next term regardless of where they finish
in the league.

A potential Milan derby also remains on the cards in the
semi-final stages, with Mancini keen to see his players produce a
better performance if they are to see off high-flying Sampdoria at
San Siro.

"I think we all need to give a bit more. We have to start
building from the back and we also need to be brave enough to take
risks because we are Inter and we can't not do that," he told
reporters.

"We're doing some things well and other things less well. I felt
we could have done better [against Empoli].

"We have to show the personality we had at home when we play
away as well – like we did [in the 1-1 draw] at Juventus.

"Are we lacking a bit of energy ourselves? Not all of our
players are fully fit so yes that's something we need to work
on."

Mancini has handed debuts to January signings Xherdan Shaqiri
and Lukas Podolski since they arrived in Milan, although opposite
number Sinisa Mihajlovic appears unlikely to be able to do the same
with Samuel Eto'o on Wednesday against his former club.

The Everton striker is close to agreeing a move to Sampdoria,
according to club president Massimo Ferrero, but time is running
out to complete a deal in time for the Cameroonian to face
Inter.

The four-time African Player of the Year would add further
quality to a side fourth in Serie A, with Mihajlovic delighted at
how his charges have fared this season.

"We are having a great season," he told a news conference
following Sunday's 2-0 win over Parma.

"We have 33 points and only two losses. What rating would I give
the first round [of the season]? Seven and a half.

"My players are committed all week, they are players and men who
give everything - even those who do not play.

"Everyone will train with great intensity and behave well. Then
I'll decide who to play, based on those who have given me
more."